Automation Studio 4 improves programming efficiency

Dr Hans Egermeier, manager of the Automation Studio Business Unit at B&R, comments: "The only way a development system will succeed in the long run is if it can provide developers an easy way to manage their increasingly complex programs."

Indeed, Dr Egermeier works in close co-operation with external usability experts to make sure that Automation Studio meets this important requirement.

Project modularisation is one area that makes working with Automation Studio 4 smarter. It allows individual projects to be split up into manageable pieces so that several developers can work on them at the same time. The new integrated version control system ensures stability and consistency.

Easier system configuration

Hardware configuration is often the first step in system development. In the new System Designer in Automation Studio, this is handled by arranging photorealistic images of components. The automatic application of the necessary configuration parameters saves a significant amount of time and prevents errors from occurring in the first place.

For consistent and uniform development of mechanics, electronics and the automation software, Automation Studio 4 comes equipped with an interface to EPLAN Electric P8, which enables ECAD projects and the hardware configuration in Automation Studio to be synchronised. Similar interfaces to simulation programs make it possible to verify the results of development or, conversely, to use the results of simulation as a starting point for system design.

Communication via OPC Unified Architecture provides compatibility with numerous systems from other manufacturers, while direct support of web technologies simplifies the development of visualisation, process monitoring and remote diagnostic applications.

Object-oriented programming

Advanced functions for object-oriented programming with C++ makes programming with classes and objects much more convenient. A smart editor uses function libraries and sections of code that have already been programmed to provide context-sensitive suggestions. During development, visualisation templates also accelerate the design of user interfaces.

Dr Egermeier states: "Automation Studio 4 not only helps create clearly structured software architecture when a project is first being developed, but also when designing new variants and options or performing project maintenance. Its smart features provide optimal support for quickly and easily developing sustainable solutions."

Visit the B&R website for more information about Automation Studio 4.